Cottage Cheese Brownies with Peanut Butter

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Peanut Butter
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth; 1/2 cup peanut butter; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Highlighted under: Sweet Collection

I absolutely love indulging in these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Peanut Butter. The combination of the rich chocolate flavor and creamy texture is something that makes my taste buds dance. I enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, and using cottage cheese in a brownie recipe seemed like a fun twist. You won’t believe how moist and delicious these brownies are, and they pack a protein punch too! Whether I’m surprising guests or simply satisfying my own sweet tooth, these brownies never disappoint.

Created by

Elodie March

Last updated on 2026-01-12T01:34:36.093Z

Creating these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Peanut Butter has been an exciting adventure for me in the kitchen. The first time I made them, I wasn't sure how cottage cheese would fit into a brownie recipe. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how it added a rich creaminess and moisture to the brownies that I had not experienced before.

One trick I discovered is to blend the cottage cheese until it's completely smooth before mixing it with the other ingredients. This ensures there are no lumps and that the brownies come out velvety and fudgy. It's a simple method that makes a significant difference!

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        Rich chocolate flavor perfectly balanced with peanut butter
Incredibly moist texture thanks to cottage cheese
A healthier alternative to traditional brownies

      

The Role of Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is the star ingredient in these brownies, offering moisture and a creamy texture without the need for excessive fat. When blended until smooth, it integrates seamlessly into the batter, allowing the rich chocolate flavor to shine through. You'll hardly notice it's there, but it elevates the nutritional profile by adding protein, making these brownies a guilt-free treat that doesn’t compromise on taste.

If you're dairy-free or vegan, you can substitute the cottage cheese with silken tofu blended until smooth. This alternative maintains the moisture and provides a similar creamy texture, giving you a deliciously rich brownie without compromising on dietary preferences.

Peanut Butter & Chocolate Pairing

The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is a match made in dessert heaven. In this recipe, peanut butter not only adds richness but also brings a nutty flavor that complements the deep chocolate notes. When you incorporate peanut butter, ensure it’s creamy rather than crunchy for a smoother integration, which contributes to a more unified brownie batter.

For those looking to switch things up, consider using almond butter or even sunflower seed butter. These alternatives will provide unique flavors while still giving a lovely texture, making them suitable for those with nut allergies. Just be cautious with the taste balance, adjusting sugar content as necessary.

Perfecting Your Brownies

To achieve the perfect brownie consistency, it’s crucial to avoid overmixing once you combine the wet and dry ingredients. This can lead to dense brownies instead of the tender, moist treat you want. Mix just until combined, and don’t worry if there are a few lumps—this will help keep them light and airy.

When it comes to baking, keep an eye on your brownies, checking for doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Letting them cool in the pan adds to the fudginess, but for a firmer brownie, you can refrigerate them for an hour after cooling.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your delicious brownies:

Brownie Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Once you have everything ready, let's move on to the steps!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your brownies:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking dish.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, peanut butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips if using.

Bake

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing into squares and serving.

Enjoy your delicious Cottage Cheese Brownies with Peanut Butter!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, sprinkle some sea salt on top before baking to enhance the flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These Cottage Cheese Brownies with Peanut Butter are delicious on their own, but you can elevate the experience with some serving suggestions. Try adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a decadent dessert. Drizzling some warm chocolate or caramel sauce can also enhance the chocolatey goodness, making every bite a richer experience.

For a lighter option, pairing them with fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries can add a refreshing contrast to the dense brownies. A dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch if you’re serving them at a gathering or special occasion.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you plan to make these brownies ahead of time, they store beautifully! Once cooled, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week. If you need to keep them longer, freezing is an excellent option. Wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for optimal freshness—these can last for up to three months in the freezer.

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen brownies, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours. For a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to enjoy that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.

Variations to Try

Feeling adventurous? You can customize these brownies by mixing in different flavor extracts to complement the chocolate and peanut butter. A hint of coffee extract can intensify the chocolate flavor, while almond extract can add a new depth of flavor. Experimenting with spices like cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper also adds a delightful twist.

For a bit of crunch and to elevate the texture, consider adding chopped nuts or seeds into the batter. Walnuts, pecans, or even pumpkin seeds provide a pleasant contrast to the fudginess of the brownies, making each bite more interesting.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese works well in this recipe!

→ Can these brownies be frozen?

Absolutely! You can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly.

→ What is the best way to store these brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

→ Can I add nuts to the brownies?

Certainly! Chopped walnuts or pecans would make a great addition.